Act 1.

"Come on, run faster, Orphe." The young voice said, tugging on the smaller boy's arm. "The King of Belgrade is coming quickly, and if we don't make it out like Papa told us, then we'll be in a lot of trouble."

"I'm going as fast as I can…Eduard." Young Orphe said, clinging dearly to his doll. It was an old replica of a dragon from the legends in their kingdom. Around it's neck jingled two identical chains, the pendants identical as well.

"Just keep running no matter what." Eduard said, pulling Orphe along.

Orphe felt his elder brother tighten his grip on his wrist.

He, at the age of five, did not understand what was going on at all. He only knew that their worst enemy, one of the many opposing nations, Belgrade, had come to attack. It was traditional for that country attack sporadically, leaving Strahl with weak defenses for many wars. His elder brother, Eduard, first in line prince, and heir to their father's throne, obviously knew what was going on. He had a sense of determination around him.

Not far off in the large hallway, one of the many doors that lined it burst open, revealing two men fighting with the swords. The two kings of Strahl and Belgrade.

Eduard quickly pulled Orphe's hood over Orphe's face. "Stay quiet, okay…?" Eduard whispered. He brought Orphe closer to himself.

Orphe nodded and did as he was told.

The two men continued fighting, not really noticing the two children quickly making their way until Orphe dropped the dragon.

Orphe gasped. "Eduard! I dropped Agamemnon!" He yelled, pulling on Eduard's arm.

Eduard, not completely on guard for that, released Orphe's arm. He turned quickly and watched Orphe.

"Your kids, are they?" An old voice said.

"Leave them be, they did nothing wrong to you." Another, more familiar voice to the boys rang. "Do not harm them."

Orphe lifted the dragon and ran back towards Eduard, whom in turn, pushed him away. Orphe fell backwards as the other unfamiliar man lifted Eduard.

"No, let him go!" The King of Strahl yelled.

"Well, Belvue? Is this your heir?" The unfamiliar man asked. He laughed as he held Eduard close to himself. "What a puny kid."

Belvue was tense. "Let him go."

"Not a chance." The man replied. "And don't even think of going after me. Your other kid is right there. I can kill both of your heirs at once." He said.

Belvue's eyes darted to Orphe.

"Well, I'll be off." The man said.

"Wait, damn it, let go of my son." Belvue said.

"No, Daddy, it's okay." Eduard said.

The man holding him laughed. "Your son must really pity you, telling the King not to do anything hasty."

"Eduard, I'm your father, I can't let this happen." Belvue said.

"It's okay." Eduard said. "Orphe you better be a strong King, okay?"

The man quickly ran off.

Orphe stared at the disappearing bodies. "Eduard!" He yelled, trying to run after them. He dropped the dragon and ran. "Wait, Eduard!"

"No, Orphe! You can't!" Belvue said, quickly grabbing and lifting Orphe.

"Wait! Eduard!" Orphe said, struggling against his father.

"Orpherus!" Belvue yelled.

Orphe fell quiet instantly.

"You will do as you are told." Belvue said, placing him down. He went and lifted the dragon and placed it in his hands. "Your brother made a sacrifice for you. You better take it as a wonderful gift." Belvue told him.

Orphe sniffled and held the dragon tightly. "Eduard…" He said quietly. He felt tears trailing down his face.

"Orpherus. You must never cry. It is not befitting of a king. You must only cry when you feel the right time comes. This is not that time." Belvue said. "Learn to hold in your tears, and never let your enemy see that you are weak. Otherwise, they can get to you…like they did with me." Belvue explained with sadness in his tone.

"Dad-" Orphe stopped himself as he stared at his father. He had two rivers flowing down his face.

"I am a weak King." Belvue said.

Orphe snapped out of his sleep. He held his head and sat up on the grassy knoll on which he took his nap. "How long has it been since then…?" He asked himself. His gleaming maroon orbs looked up at the sky passing by.

It was weird, living with something in nagging in the back of your head. It never disappeared. This one feeling that you really need this certain thing, but you have no idea where it is. It was something strong enough that it'd drive you crazy if you never found it. He had lived with this feeling for many years. It had been ten years, from this very day, since the day that the opposing nation had struck and had nearly destroyed his homeland. Luckily, their small kingdom had survived, only to find that one of the princes, his elder brother, had disappeared. He had been listed as killed. Orphe himself knew that that fact was really not truth, for he was there. Only he and his father had seen the actually happenings. "Eduard." Orphe whispered. "It's my fault that they did that to you…I shouldn't have gotten in the way…and now you're gone…and I stole your place." He said. "I'll get revenge one day for you." He continued. "But…even that can't bring you back…if I don't know where you are…" He said aloud. He raised his hand to grasp the sky floating by above him.

"Orphe!" A female voice called out.

Orphe lifted himself to the voice of the female. He turned his head just slightly to acknowledge her. "Oh, hello, Mischa." Orphe said, smiling at her. "Are you done making preparations at the chapel?" He asked.

Mischa took a seat next to Orphe and brushed her long tan hair her out of her face. "Well, almost…it's all so hectic, trying to get the wedding preparations all started." She said. She glanced over at him with her emerald eyes.

Orphe laughed. He placed a hand behind his head and ran through his dark locks messily. "Sorry." He said. "I'd really help, but you know me with all the organization things." He told her. "But one thing I can say is that I'll be there."

"Of course you will." Mischa answered. "It can't really be a wedding without the main man there." She said.

"Right." Orphe said, nodding. "Can you believe we're finally getting married?" He asked, looking back at the sky.

"It's all a bit overwhelming." Mischa answered nervously, blushing lightly and looking down. "Since it's really going so fast."

"Don't think of it like that. It only feels overwhelming because our families are making such a big deal about it." Orphe told Mischa. "After it's all over, we'll have a giant kingdom where you and I can be together without all this mess." He said.

"Do you really think we can do it?" Mischa asked. "I mean you and I…we're so young." She said. "I overheard other townspeople speaking of it." She mumbled.

"You overheard the townspeople?" Orphe asked. "Why were you out in the town?" He asked. "You know it's always dangerous for a princess anywhere without guards there to protect her." He scolded.

"Well, I was at the chapel, and with guards where I overheard the people speaking." Mischa said. "They seemed to not notice me…since they were also saying some really rude things along with the young part…like about the consummation."

Orphe blushed. "The townspeople were talking about consummation…?" He asked. His face went red. "Oh, those townspeople…don't know when to shut the hell up…really, they don't…" He said with a sigh. "Well, don't really think about it…it's our personal business." He said. He then laughed again nervously.

"Uh…right." Mischa answered. Her face was also red. "It is our own personal business, and what they say has no meaning."

"And," Orphe began, "Sure, we're younger than most of the other princes and princesses out there…but you shouldn't let the people get to you. Especially the lower-class." He said. He placed a hand on her cheek. "Besides, with our parents, they wouldn't let us change anything about it, much less wait two years. Especially since Belgrade has a new ruler being inaugurated soon…they'll start acting up again after this. With our two combined nations, we'll have safety." He smiled and kissed her forehead. "Just think about us two."

Mischa nodded. "True." She said. "I heard that their new King is very wild. It's odd, however…seeing him really reminds me of you…not that I'm trying to be rude, really." She said, stuttering over her words.

"Reminds you of me?" Orphe asked. "How?"

"Don't you think it's weird how he has maroon hair and jet-black eyes?" Mischa asked. "While you on the other hand have the opposite?"

"Sure, that is a weird coincidence…" Orphe said. "But I'll have you know we're nothing alike." He added.

"I know that." Mischa said. "You're much more kinder. I just find it strange how he looks like you…it's slightly confusing."

"Appearances can be very deceiving. You have to be really careful, Mischa." Orphe said. "Never be confused, or something bad could happen. Even people with the kindest faces can be evil hearted at times."

"I will." She said.

Several days later, Orphe Markgraf von Sekt Nahe Gorz and Mischa Tressel de Herzog Mohn were scheduled to have their wedding day. Many of the barons, and lords, the dukes, counts and nobles all lined the chapel's pews awaiting for these two people to finally unite the two kingdoms. The High Priest was nearing the end of the speech.

"Are you excited?" Orphe whispered to Mischa. He looked down at her with a smile.

"Really much so." Mischa answered.

"And so, the families Gorz Strahl and Mohn are to be joined by these two children!" The high priest exclaimed. That was followed by much clapping.

"Alright, Orphe, with your kiss, this bride shall become your wife." The priest whispered to the teen. "Hurry, so you two can go have adult fun."

Mischa and Orphe both went red.

"Must you say things like that, Barton?" Orphe asked, looking at the priest in obvious embarrassment.

The priest, Barton, just laughed. "I was talking to an adult. Any adult does things like that." He said.

Orphe turned back to Mischa. Mischa smiled back at him. Orphe then brought Mischa closer to himself and lowered his face towards hers, but suddenly the chapel doors burst open. Orphe stopped halfway to look at the chapel doors.

"Lord Belvue!" The man yelled. He ran quickly towards the King, his face full of panic and worry. "Lord Belvue, you must listen to this!"

Lord Belvue, current King of Strahl, rose from his seat beside his wife. "Camus, how dare you interrupt my son's wedding!" He yelled. "I'll have your-"

"No, sire, I apologize, but the new King, Isaac, has begun an early attack." Camus said. "He has already begun sending troops down the main trade route."

"He what?" Belvue said. "Orphe, let's go."

Orphe looked back at Mischa. "My apologies…it seems that a war came much earlier than I thought." He said.

"That's fine." She answered. "Go help your father."

He nodded and walked down the altar, tossing aside articles of wedding clothes and quickly being handed regular attire. He rushed after Belvue.

Mischa watched as she was left at the altar. She walked down the altar quietly and headed to a bench.

In Belvue's discussion room, he stood looking down at a map. Many of the captains and other personnel of their growing military surrounded the table.

"So Reks and my fleet will go here, Orphe." Belvue said. "You and your troops shall go here, and we will meet on the man bridge of their castle's gate." He continued, dragging his finger along a map and drawing out their plan. "The places were the explosives will be set are all around this bridge, near the castle's main chamber."

"Yes sir." Orphe said quietly.

"Let's hurry along. If we get there quickly, then we may be able to thwart their plans." Belvue said, walking out of the chamber.

Orphe scanned the map quickly, learning where all the bombs were to be placed. He sighed as he counted how many floors there were.

"Prince Orphe, I apologize for this happening during your wedding day, but we must hurry." One of the commanders said.

"No, it's fine. Let's just go." Orphe said. He walked over to a glass case and grabbed a sword. "The sooner and faster we're done with those…rebels…the better. Then we can carry on." He sighed and began walking off.

"That must mean you're very determined, using this sword." The same commander said. "Are you sure…"

Orphe nodded and walked out of the room.

"Is there something important about that sword…?" A lower-class soldier asked.

"That sword is supposed to be given to the next King of Strahl." The commander said. "That next person was supposed to be Prince Orphe's elder brother, Eduard. That sword means he's ready to take on the burden of the country. And only at the age of fifteen. What an admirable young prince." The commander rambled.

"Ah…" The soldier said.

"Move quickly or you'll be left behind." Orphe said, turning. "We're not here to talk about my bro- Prince Eduard, I mean."

"Right away sir." The commander said.

As the fleet of air ships ascended, Orphe looked ahead. He could see a path of only ruin leading back towards Belgrade.

"What urges Isaac to act like this…?" Orphe asked himself. "We've done nothing to him…" He said quietly.

"We'll be arriving in Belgrade in a matter of hours, so please wait for that time, Prince Orphe." The commander said.

Orphe nodded and took a seat. He tapped his foot impatiently. He watched as less than half of their fleet was sent to destroy the forces charging towards his homeland.

At the white castle of Belgrade, many of Strahl's ships descended and let out many soldiers. Some on foot, some by air and many by horseback.

"Orphe, go, and hurry! Set it in place!" Belvue yelled.

"Right, I'm going!" Orphe yelled as he led his troop up a flight of stairs.

They quickly stampeded up and headed into the castle.

"Nav, tell me which way to go." Orphe said, running along the corridors.

One of his many men ran behind him. "We are the seventh floor, Prince Orphe. The main chamber is up four stories from here. We can get there by taking this coming corridor." The navigator told him. "Once we get into the main chamber, there is a bridge that leads outside to the outside walls."

"What idiot built this castle?" Orphe asked. "That's the most dangerous thing that anyone can do…building their main chamber up right next to where the enemy can get you…" He sighed and continued running.

Several minutes later, Orphe ran along the main chambers floors along with his troop. He saw no one in sight.

"Place the bombs in their locations!" Orphe yelled as he looked around. The King wasn't here, nor was the younger Isaac. "Where the hell's their King?" He asked impatiently. "He couldn't have found the time to run off in such a short time…" He said, nearly out of breath. He held his sword close to him. Where is he…brother…? Orphe asked the sword. "Find-" Orphe cut himself as he heard a yell from outside the man chamber. He turned and bolted from the room. "Fath-" He quieted once he saw the Isaac pull his blade from his Belvue's chest. Orphe stopped and looked down at his father. His blood was staining the white castle red.

"Orphe, quickly make it out! He's strong!" Belvue yelled.

"But-" Orphe began, "But he's right there!" Orphe yelled.

Isaac turned to Orphe. "Hey, new guy." He said. "We'll be seeing each other very soon, I think." He smirked as he shook his sword clean of any blood.

"Go take care of the kingdom!" Belvue yelled once more.

"Ugh, shut the hell up, old man." Isaac said, impaling through him once more. "God, old people ramble so damn much, they're better off dead." Isaac mumbled. "Geez…" He said, turning his attention back to Orphe.

Orphe stared back at Isaac. His flaming red hair waved in the light breeze. His jet black eyes pierced. "You…I can't believe you…" He trailed.

"Can't believe what?" Isaac asked. "Oh, you killed my father, heavens." He said. "Well, let's just say, he came and attacked me first." He laughed. "Besides, what are you going to do? You're just a little kid." He said.

Orphe charged for Isaac, his fist, ready and aimed for his face. Isaac, still laughing, lifted his arm and blocked.

"You're joking…trying to actually hit me with your fist? Ooh, scary. You're a very scary little boy." Isaac said.

"Shut the hell up!" Orphe yelled. "You all! Tend to my father!" Orphe yelled at his troop. "Hurry!"

"You think they can save him?" Isaac asked. "He's long past dead. No one can live after being stabbed by my sword." Isaac lifted Orphe. "You know, you kind of look like a girl." He said, looking at him.

"Put me down, damn it!" Orphe yelled struggling in Isaac's grip. "Keep your insults to yourself, or I'll run my sword through you."

"That wasn't an insult. You're kind of cute." Isaac answered, tracing Orphe's cheek. "Maybe if you weren't from Strahl, you'd be nice to keep around…if you can catch what I'm hinting at…" Isaac said in a lower voice as he lowered his face to Orphe's. "Why don't you leave this silly war behind and come with me?" He asked.

"Silly war?" Orphe asked. "You're the one who began this whole thing!" He yelled. He felt himself blush as Isaac neared him. He pushed away from Isaac. A bright flash came from them both. Isaac covered his eyes.

"What the hell was that…?" Isaac asked. He looked back at Orphe. Bright flashes were coming off him as well. Their opposing arms were glowing.

"What trickery is this…?" Orphe asked quietly. He looked at his arm. Light trails were visible under the cloth.

"Ha, you tell me, little 'Ray of Light'." Isaac said. "It's obviously your doing, since you're a little sparkler."

Orphe glared at Isaac. "Do not make fun of my kingdom's people." He said. "I had nothing to do with this."

Isaac laughed and waved him off. "Whatever, sparkles." Isaac said. "You can dodge the truth as much as you'd like."

Orphe sighed and grabbed the hilt of his brother's elegant sword. Isaac turned and looked back at him.

"Say…what is that…?" Isaac asked, scanning the sword.

"The thing that's going to kill you." Orphe answered as he ran for Isaac as quickly as he could. He jumped and aimed for him.

Isaac laughed looking at Orphe. There then was an explosion.

Oh no, the bombs are going off. Orphe thought as he looked ahead to see the blast. He landed and backed away from Isaac.

Isaac turned to look back at the explosions. As Orphe was distracted, he quickly went and grabbed him.

"Let me go!" Orphe yelled.

"Prince Orphe, hurry, we must leave!" The commander yelled.

Orphe struggled against Isaac's arms. He glanced at Isaac's left arm, he noticed trails going up his arm as well.

"You're…" Orphe said quietly.

An explosion went off under them, making Isaac loosen his grip on Orphe. Orphe quickly pushed away and rushed from the crumbling floor. Isaac jumped away and was out of sight.

Orphe was rushed away from the collapsing castle.

There's no way that I saw that…right? I mean…he…is my enemy. Orphe thought as he looked back up at the castle from the plains below.

The castle's many spires and towers al fell in succession according to the plan that his father-his father…

Tears wanted to roll down Orphe's cheek. He held it in. "I'll get you back, and all that you own will belong to me." Orphe promised. "Damn you…Isaac." He whispered.